SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz are facing a significant setback in their season dedicated to nurturing their young talents, particularly after the unfortunate injury to forward Taylor Hendricks. The promising player is now likely sidelined for the remainder of the year.
On Monday night, during a game against the Mavericks, Hendricks suffered a serious injury as he was running down the court. He stumbled and fell awkwardly, leading to a broken right fibula and a dislocated ankle, leaving him in shock as he witnessed his foot pointed in an unnatural direction.
The emotional toll of Hendricks’ injury was palpable, with several teammates visibly shaken, covering their heads with towels as the medical team rushed to assist him and transport him off the court on a stretcher. The Jazz lost the game 110-102, and now they must navigate a rebuilding season without their key defensive player.
“A lot of us were visibly shaken. It was tough to watch,” remarked Utah coach Will Hardy the following day. He emphasized the importance of supporting one another as they cope with the situation, acknowledging that everyone processes trauma differently.
Selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Hendricks spent part of his rookie season developing in the G League before joining the main lineup later. This season, he started in the first three games and was crucial in defending star players like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Ja Morant.
“We have significant gaps to fill in Taylor’s absence,” Hardy noted. The coaching staff is currently evaluating when to schedule surgery for Hendricks, and similar injuries often require a recovery period of a year or longer.
Hardy remarked on Hendricks’ positive outlook, stating, “He’s an upbeat person and is handling this with a lot of maturity, but I’m sure there will be times of frustration ahead during his rehab.”
Throughout the offseason, Hendricks focused on making a strong transition into his second year, spending a considerable amount of time in Salt Lake City to improve his physique, agility, and shot-making capabilities.
“Playing in the NBA for the first time provides experience, but more importantly, it offers a different perspective; you realize the game isn’t centered around you anymore,” Hardy explained.
Teammate Keyonte George praised Hendricks for prioritizing defense over offensive opportunities. They currently lack another player with his mindset, prompting rookie Cody Williams to step into the starting lineup against Sacramento after visiting Hendricks ahead of the game.
“It’s really unfortunate. No one wants to earn minutes like that,” Kyle Filipowski said, reflecting on Hendricks’ injury as he celebrated scoring his first NBA points with 12 points and eight rebounds.
In the meantime, Hendricks will focus on recovery as the Jazz seek to regroup. “We all need to support him. He’s a great guy who has worked incredibly hard,” center Walker Kessler shared after Monday’s game. “But unfortunately, the season keeps moving on.”
The Jazz faced their fourth consecutive defeat on Tuesday against Sacramento, losing 113-96 at home. To compound their troubles, star player Lauri Markkanen exited the game at halftime due to back spasms, although the injury does not appear to be severe.
“We need to adjust our game plan,” Hardy stated as they work to integrate younger players into roles that are outside of their comfort zones.